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Tomorrow’s network

subjectPublished on 11/14/2018

SNCF Réseau takes its mission of improving the railway experience at the best possible cost very seriously. Upgrading infrastructure and its operation therefore feature high on its agenda. Top priority has to go to improving commuter services and renewing the existing network. The aim? To increase the number of trains in operation where necessary, in preparation for the influx of new traffic expected from open competition on the network and from urban growth.

Codenamed ERTMS, CCR, GOC 2.0, GPRS or even “digital twin”, all these new tools are part of moves to enhance performance. Railway industry as a whole is at a turning point in its history with substantial investment in digital technologies in the pipeline.

80%of trains are worked on only 27%of lines

To meet its long-term targets, SNCF Réseau is stepping up the pace of its industrial overhaul by focusing on innovation. Tomorrow network will be digital, smart, telecommunications-friendly and with round-the-clock connectivity by exerting greater control over time and space. Spotlight on the innovations already adopted to form the backbone of tomorrow’s railway …

Shorter headways to accommodate a greater number of trains

European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) Level 2

Keeping traffic flowing smoothly across Europe

ERTMS is a new generation signalling system, which is being installed on all the European networks. It is a vital new departure for through working between countries and smoother traffic flows. ERTMS is already in place in Germany and should ultimately replace the 27 different signalling systems currently in use in the European Union.

Interoperability

This technology represents a major step towards interoperability, with the different IT systems being be able to communicate with each other to simplify the train driving process. ERTMS manages train headways in real time by using GOC 2.0 or GPRS radio balises, which transmit real-time data between ground-based equipment, infrastructure and trains.

Real-time signalling

Until now, railway signalling systems were based on analog technology using lineside colour-light signals and marker boards. ERTMS technology heralds the era of cab signalling by transmitting real-time information to the driver: track occupation, train weight, maximum speed, deceleration and braking capacity. The driver can then adjust his actions in relation to optimum speed and halt his train immediately in the event of an emergency.

The changing face of technology

Equipping the network for ERTMS Level 2 means replacing all the signalling systems currently in use. From 2025, this system will be rolled out on the Marseille-Ventimiglia line and on the Paris-Lyon high-speed line without interrupting traffic flows. A feat in itself!

"Signature (of this agreement) marks a turning point for SNCF Réseau and its a high-performance very high throughput network. We will now be able to handle more trains and passengers, offering them greater punctuality, regularity and improved performance."

Patrick Jeantet

“Eurobalises” supplied with information from the train’s antenna transmit computer-coded messages to each passing train. These balises may be fixed, in other words pre-programmed once and for all, or variable. Variable data is dictated to the “eurobalise” by a Lineside Electronic Unit (LEU) and may relate to such things as a signal aspect or the route set by the next interlocking.

Simplifying traffic control

Central Network Control (CCR), a railway control tower in the making

Here the keywords are centralisation and automation. The 1,500 signal boxes currently in use will soon be grouped together in 16 “railway control towers” dotted across the country. In their turn, these control towers will be coordinated and supervised from a single hub in Paris: the National Operations Centre.

More responsive teams

Rationalising team interaction will improve incident response or response to customer demand and culminate in more efficient traffic control. Decision-making will be easier with shorter lines of command and less duplicated information.

Technological and logistical breakthrough

For passengers and train operating companies, the CCR will offer several practical advantages:

more services and excellent safety standards

improved regularity and punctuality

early identification of potential operating incidents

more precise and accurate passenger information

"The new digital and telecommunications technologies will make networks smarter. It will, for example, be possible to manage infrastructure assets more efficiently and increase capacity where needed."

Patrick Jeantet

Digital technologies are the passport to network modernisation. ERTMS Level 2 and CCR will be two of the mainstays of tomorrow’s network. SNCF Réseau is totally committed to innovation and other developments are in the test phase. It is stepping up its research and development activities to keep pace with technological progress and come up with new and efficient solutions offering minimal carbon footprint and capable of boosting accessibility and mobility nationwide.

Digital solutions represent a major technological paradigm shift. They require a whole new series of methods and mindsets making it necessary to rethink the organisation from top to bottom. It is only in 2030, when the entire network has been kitted out with these new technologies that their benefits will be truly felt.

In the meanwhile, SNCF Réseau is pulling out all the stops to modernise and upgrade its infrastructure. Its teams of men and women are working day and night, come rain, come shine, to create tomorrow’s railway, the people’s railway.

Points to remember

The French rail network is going digital. It is scheduled to emerge in its new guise at the 2030 time horizon.

ERTMS Level 2: a technology for shortening headways common to all European networks.

CCR: rationalisation of traffic control for greater responsiveness, regularity and punctuality.